Chapter 67: Attitude

Chapter 67: Attitude

Naturally, such an important matter needed to be known by all the members of the Ye family.

With a serious expression, Ye Jianguo sized up Lu Hanchuan. Apart from being five years older than Xiao Xiao, there was nothing else to fault.

As mentioned earlier, the two kids had known each other since they were in the courtyard in the capital city.

It’s possible that Lu Hanchuan was even more familiar with the Ye family than Xiao Xiao was.

Ye Jianguo took Lu Hanchuan aside into a separate room, and they talked for a long time.

Meanwhile, Ye Xiaoxiao chatted with the rest of the family, feeling a little worried. Her father probably wouldn’t disagree, right?

Ye Xiaoxiao had actually always felt something was off, but she didn’t realize that in this era, bringing so many gifts essentially meant the marriage was settled.

Ye Changsheng asked Ye Xiaoxiao, "Are you doing this of your own accord?"

From the very first meeting, he had sensed that Lu Hanchuan's gaze toward Xiao Xiao was different.

And yet, Xiao Xiao had said they weren’t very familiar with each other back then, so how did they suddenly announce they were together?

Ye Xiaoxiao thought that the smartest person in the family had to be her fourth brother. Not even their parents had suspected anything, but Ye Changsheng had figured it out.

She immediately nodded emphatically, "Of course, I’m doing this out of my own will."

Ye Changsheng didn’t ask any more.

It was clear that she meant it sincerely.

After their conversation was over, Ye Jianguo finally let Lu Hanchuan leave.

Ye Jianguo said, "Xiao Xiao, you and Lu should also go to your uncle’s house with the gifts. And don’t forget to visit your grandparents."

Lu Hanchuan had already bought a share of gifts for Uncle Ye’s family.

On the way, Ye Xiaoxiao asked, "What did you and Dad talk about?"

Lu Hanchuan said, "Not much, just some questions about my family background."

Lu Hanchuan certainly couldn’t say that Ye Jianguo had thoroughly inquired about his family background and strictly set boundaries for their relationship.

But Lu Hanchuan didn’t dwell on it.

Xiao Xiao was only eighteen this year, still a child.

They should wait at least another two years before considering the next step.

Ye Xiaoxiao was only half convinced.

When they went to deliver the gifts to Ye Jianye’s house, both Ye Jianye and Li Guilan were delighted for her, showing no dissatisfaction whatsoever.

Someone like Lu Hanchuan was definitely a top-notch choice.

If Xiao Xiao were still in the village, she wouldn’t be able to find a man this good.

Ye Xiaoxiao's grandparents had both served in the military in their youth. When they heard that Lu Hanchuan was a soldier, they asked a few more questions.

Ye Xiaoxiao's grandmother nodded in satisfaction, "Not bad at all, this young man is really handsome."

Zhang Cuiyun was quite the beauty in her youth and had a thing for good looks. She fell for Ye Xiaoxiao's grandfather, Ye Baishun, while serving in the military. After the war ended, they returned to their hometown with their children and built the happy family they have today.

Looking at Lu Hanchuan now, Zhang Cuiyun was naturally very pleased.

Her granddaughter really had a good eye.

She takes after her.

When it comes to finding a partner, one should always look for someone good-looking. Every time Zhang Cuiyun argued with her husband, she would look at his face and her anger would dissipate.

Ye Xiaoxiao called out to Ye Changyuan, "Brother Yuan, there's something else we came back for this time, and it's for you."

Ye Changyuan was a bit nervous, "Ah, what about me?"

Ye Xiaoxiao took out the letter of introduction that Lu Hanchuan had given her earlier, "This year, the recruitment quota for Baichuan County is very limited, and Baishi Village hasn't been allocated any spots. If you want to join the military, you'll have to find another way. This is the letter of introduction Lu Hanchuan helped you get."

Ye Changyuan felt anxious halfway through listening, and by the end, he felt a mix of emotions.

"I was wondering why there's been no news this late in the year. When I went to see the village secretary, he just told me to wait."

"Thank you, Comrade Lu."

Ye Changyuan wasn't sure how to address Lu Hanchuan now.

Lu Hanchuan said, "I suggest you wait until the college exam results come out before using the letter of introduction to apply. If your results are good, going to university would be a better path."

Ye Changyuan knew his own academic performance.

Even the top students in his class might not get into university, so he had even less of a chance.

Still, he thanked Lu Hanchuan for the kind reminder.

Ye Xiaoxiao had originally planned to leave after telling her family about her relationship with Lu Hanchuan to avoid too many questions.

Moreover, Lu Hanchuan didn't have any other tasks this time; he was simply on leave and didn't have many days off.

But Miao Cuifang wouldn't hear of it, pulling Ye Xiaoxiao aside and saying, "Let's have a family dinner tonight, invite your grandparents and your uncle's family. You and Comrade Lu can stay the night and go back to town tomorrow."

Ye Xiaoxiao had no choice but to agree.

Before going to bed that night, Miao Cuifang took the opportunity while Lu Hanchuan was resting in another room to come and chat with Ye Xiaoxiao in her room.

"Xiao Xiao, you and Comrade Lu are dating now, and I won't stop you, but you must be careful.

It's best if you can get into university, but if not, you should find a good job before thinking about settling down."

Although Miao Cuifang was from the countryside, she was educated and had her own thoughts.

She knew that women must always be independent and strong, and not rely on men just because they are capable.

You never know when that big tree might fall.

"Mom, I know. Our relationship isn't stable yet, but with Lu Hanchuan by my side, you can rest easy when I go to Beijing in the future."

That was true, and Miao Cuifang nodded, "Yes, Beijing is far from home. With someone to take care of you, your father and I can be at ease."

When mentioning the capital, Miao Cuifang couldn't avoid thinking of Hao Yanyan.

That child from the Hao family was probably living the life she had always wanted.

Ye Xiaoxiao: "Mom, even if I go to the city for school, I'll come back during the summer and winter breaks. When I make money in the city, I'll bring all of you to the city."

Miao Cuifang reached out to touch Ye Xiaoxiao's head. "Good child, as long as you're doing well in life, we'll all be relieved."

……

The next day, Ye Xiaoxiao woke up the latest in the family.

She couldn't sleep late at school, and when she was home, with no one keeping an eye on her, she ended up sleeping in.

After waking up, Ye Xiaoxiao washed her face and combed her hair, tying it into a princess braid that wasn't popular yet, and left the room satisfied.

Ye Baocheng was chasing chickens in the yard. When he saw Ye Xiaoxiao, he ran over. "Little Auntie, you woke up late. We've already eaten. Grandma left some steamed eggs for you in the pot."

"Thank you for telling me. How about a piece of candy as a treat?"

Ye Xiaoxiao opened her hand, revealing a piece of milk candy.

Ye Baocheng was delighted. "Thank you, Little Auntie."

Ye Xiaoxiao took her meal out of the pot, which included a bowl of steamed eggs, two white flour steamed buns, and a bowl of stewed vegetables.

She was fine with just one bun for breakfast since she wasn't doing any work around the house.

Just as she was eating, Lu Hanchuan walked in.

Ye Xiaoxiao, holding a steamed bun, asked, "Where did you go?"

Lu Hanchuan pulled a stool and sat opposite her. "Went for a walk after breakfast. Did you sleep well last night?"

Ye Xiaoxiao: "I slept in my own home, of course it was good."

Lu Hanchuan: "I slept well too."

Ye Xiaoxiao: "..."